Teaching the British Values at The Meadows Primary Academy
The DfE have recently reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.” The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated this year (2014). At The Meadows these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Each year the children decide upon their class charter and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the charter. We have a Junior Leadership Team which meets regulary to discuss issues raised in class. The council has a collective voice and is genuinely able to effect change within the school. Every child on the Junior Leadership Team is voted in by their class. Children have a termly questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school
The Rule Of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at The Meadows
Children are taught from an early age the expectations/rules of the school. These are our expectations/rules, Playground Rules and Safety Rules. Children are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service helpreinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
At The Meadows, children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young children to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our eSafety, PSHE lessons and our end of day reflection. Through having self and peer assessment, participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around Core Values such as respect and team work, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. Displays around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning expectations, as well as our behaviour policy.
Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
The Meadows is a diverse school. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others as does our central reflection wall and debating sessions in each class. Our multicultural translation option within our communications illustrate our commitment to exploring our diverse school community. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths. We participate in great British events such as Royal Jubilee, Remembrance events, British sporting events and festivals. On a more general level The Meadows undertakes weekly assemblies led by a member of the Senior Leadership Team which uphold traditional values of empathy, respect and tolerance. These are also taught within PSHE and RE lessons and on an informal nature throughout the school days.
